Firefighters Warn Residents Not to Mistake Carbon Monoxide Symptoms for the Flu
Both the flu and carbon monoxide poisoning have very similar symptoms, so make sure you can tell the difference.
The carbon monoxide deaths of two Clairton men last week, blamed on a broken furnace, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette , is prompting a new round of warnings from North Hills area firefighters. McCandless firefighters average about 30 calls a year for suspected carbon monoxide problems. About ten of those calls reveal people with symptoms, or homes with elevated readings, according to Shawn O’Brien, Deputy Fire Chief of the Highland Fire Company Station #186. With the onset of the flu season, O'Brien worries that some people might confuse CO poisoning for the flu. "CO symptoms include headache, dizziness, fatigue/drowsiness, nausea, weakness, vomiting, and confusion," said O’Brien. "These are all the same signs of other illnesses—…
Roger
7:19 pm on Sunday, February 3, 2013
Richard, how about a follow up piece on detectors? What to look for, what the readouts mean, when to replace, what happens if one fires off, etc. The information above is very useful, but the issue needs to be taken to the next step. Thanks. more ›